At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and scale infrastructure for AI-driven drug discovery in a hands-on role.
- Company: Helical, the AI-native lab transforming biology with cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: High ownership, small team, and the chance to impact medicine.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Join us to revolutionise drug discovery and work at the intersection of AI and biology.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in platform engineering, strong Kubernetes and cloud skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Helical is the AI-native lab for biology. We turn biological foundation models into production systems for discovery—so scientists can run experiments in silico at the speed of inference. We're already deployed with top pharma, supporting work from target identification to biomarker discovery.
The Role
We're hiring a Platform Engineer to build and scale the infrastructure behind our virtual AI lab. This is a hands‑on role: debugging Kubernetes one moment, improving architecture the next, shipping to production throughout. You'll be working on the system that makes AI‑driven drug discovery actually usable at scale.
What You'll Do
- Run and scale Kubernetes (incl. GPU workloads)
- Own cloud infrastructure and infra‑as‑code
- Support ML training & inference pipelines
- Manage CI/CD, observability, and deployments
- Handle databases, storage, and migrations
- Build automation (Python/Bash)
- Work closely with ML, backend, and product
What We're Looking For
- 4+ years in platform / DevOps / infra
- Strong Kubernetes, Docker, cloud (AWS/GCP/Azure)
- GPU workloads / ML infra
- Experience designing & operating multi‑tenant architectures with strict tenant isolation
- Familiarity with autoscaling & service isolation
- Experience with CI/CD, databases, infra‑as‑code
- Comfortable debugging production systems
Nice to Have
- Security/compliance (SOC2, HIPAA)
- Exposure to AirFlow and MLFlow for scientific workflows
- MSC/PHD in Machine Learning
- Biotech / pharma experience
Why Helical
- Live with top pharma
- High ownership, small team
- Work at the intersection of AI, biology, and systems
- Build something that actually changes how medicine is made
- High ownership, low ego
Platform Engineer in London employer: Helical Ai
Helical is an exceptional employer for Platform Engineers, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery within a collaborative and innovative environment. With a focus on high ownership and a small team dynamic, employees can expect meaningful contributions that directly impact the future of medicine, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth in a cutting-edge field. Located in a vibrant area with access to top pharmaceutical partners, Helical fosters a culture of low ego and high ambition, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Engineer in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Helical Ai. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Helical Ai!
We think you need these skills to ace Platform Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Helical Ai that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Helical Ai.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Helical Ai does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Helical Ai
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Helical Ai. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Helical Ai's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Helical Ai. This shows your passion for the industry!
